United States Third Circuit

Where otherwise illegal discrimination is based on religious belief, religious doctrine, or the internal regulations of a church, the First Amendment exempts religious institutions from Title VII. However, where a church discriminates for reasons unrelated to religion, the Constitution does not foreclose Title VII suits. Furthermore, in adjudicating suits that do not involve religious rationales for employment action, courts need not consider questions of religious belief, religious doctrine, or internal church regulation.

Appellate Information

• Argued 08/16/2006
• Decided 05/24/2006
• Published 05/24/2006

Judges

• Before SMITH, COWEN, and GREENBERG.

Court

• United States Third Circuit

Counsel

• For Appellant:
  
• C. John Pleban, [Argued], Pleban & Associates, St. Louis, MO, Counsel for Appellant.


• For Appellees:
  
• Evan C. Rudert, [Argued], Elderkin, Martin, Kelly & Messina, Arthur D. Martinucci, [Argued], Frank L. Kroto, Jr., Quinn, Buseck, Leemhuis, Toohey & Kroto, Erie, PA, for Appellees., Phillip J. Murren, Ball, Murren & Connell, Camp Hill, PA, Stephen W. Fitschen, The National Legal Foundation, Virginia Beach, VA, for Amicus-Appellee.